Will I have risk of retina detachment?

One month after my right eye cataract surgery, I experienced flashes. A retina specialist found I had retina tears in both eyes and my vitreous is completely detached from the retina. He sealed the tears with laser. I am quite near-sighted (-8 both eyes) and the cataract surgery went well.
My two questions:
1. Is it likely for me to have more retina tears even after the vitreous has been detached completely?
2. Will I still be at risk of getting retina detachment because of my strong near sightedness and the fact that I had cataract surgery?

Thanks a lot for your advice!

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

DearLarryx,

You are at risk for retinal tears and/or detachments due to a the high nearsightedness as well as the cataract surgery.  The laser surgery does form a tight adhesion but breaks or tears can develop in front of the laser treated areas.  It is important for you to monitor your symptoms for an increase in the number of floaters, flashing lights or a curtain coming down.  Seek care at once should these symptoms occur.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[larryx]

Thank you very much for your advice, Dr. Feldman. I will keep an eye on my symptoms.

The retina specialist who treated me for the retinal tears said it is unlikely I would have more tears when I went to see him 2 weeks ago. At the time, I noticed more flashing lights at the corner of my right eye (the one with cataract surgery and laser treated for retinal tears a year ago). He checked my retinas and found no new tears. And he went on to say that it is unlikely I would have more retinal tears. I am not convinced and that's why I came here to seek a second opinion. However, I still see those flashing lights in the corner of my right eye when in a dark environment, especially when I turn my head around in quick movement, like shoulder checking in driving. Any idea if this should be a concern to me? Thanks a lot.